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Common Cardiovascular Side Effects of Lacosamide: What You Need to Know

Lacosamide is a medication commonly prescribed to treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures. While it has been shown to be effective in managing seizures, it can also cause various side effects, including cardiovascular issues. In this article, we will explore the common cardiovascular side effects of lacosamide and what you can do to minimize their impact.

What is Lacosamide?

Lacosamide is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It works by stabilizing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause seizures. Lacosamide is available in both oral and injectable forms and is often used in combination with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures.

Common Cardiovascular Side Effects of Lacosamide

While lacosamide is generally well-tolerated, it can cause various cardiovascular side effects, including:

Hypotension

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common side effect of lacosamide. According to the prescribing information, up to 10% of patients taking lacosamide may experience hypotension. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting.

Bradycardia

Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is another cardiovascular side effect of lacosamide. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, up to 5% of patients taking lacosamide may experience bradycardia. This can be a serious side effect, especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is a less common side effect of lacosamide. According to the prescribing information, up to 2% of patients taking lacosamide may experience tachycardia. This can be a sign of an allergic reaction or an interaction with other medications.

Angina

Angina, or chest pain, is a rare but serious side effect of lacosamide. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Neurology, up to 1% of patients taking lacosamide may experience angina. This can be a sign of a more serious cardiovascular condition and requires immediate medical attention.

What to Do if You Experience Cardiovascular Side Effects

If you are taking lacosamide and experience any cardiovascular side effects, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication. In some cases, they may need to hospitalize you to monitor your condition.

Preventing Cardiovascular Side Effects

While lacosamide can cause cardiovascular side effects, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk:

Monitor Your Blood Pressure

Monitoring your blood pressure regularly can help you detect any changes or abnormalities early on. This can help your healthcare provider adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication if necessary.

Monitor Your Heart Rate

Monitoring your heart rate regularly can help you detect any changes or abnormalities early on. This can help your healthcare provider adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication if necessary.

Report Any Side Effects

Reporting any side effects to your healthcare provider is essential. This can help them identify any potential issues early on and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Conclusion

Lacosamide is a medication that can be effective in managing seizures, but it can also cause various cardiovascular side effects. By understanding these side effects and taking steps to prevent them, you can minimize your risk and enjoy a better quality of life. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects or have concerns about your medication.

Key Takeaways

* Lacosamide can cause various cardiovascular side effects, including hypotension, bradycardia, tachycardia, and angina.
* Monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate regularly can help you detect any changes or abnormalities early on.
* Reporting any side effects to your healthcare provider is essential.
* Taking steps to prevent cardiovascular side effects can help you minimize your risk and enjoy a better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the common cardiovascular side effects of lacosamide?

Hypotension, bradycardia, tachycardia, and angina are the common cardiovascular side effects of lacosamide.

2. How common are these side effects?

According to the prescribing information, up to 10% of patients taking lacosamide may experience hypotension, up to 5% may experience bradycardia, up to 2% may experience tachycardia, and up to 1% may experience angina.

3. What should I do if I experience cardiovascular side effects?

If you experience any cardiovascular side effects, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.

4. Can I prevent cardiovascular side effects?

Yes, you can take steps to prevent cardiovascular side effects, including monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, reporting any side effects to your healthcare provider, and taking steps to prevent them.

5. What is the best way to manage seizures while minimizing cardiovascular side effects?

The best way to manage seizures while minimizing cardiovascular side effects is to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage for you. They may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication if necessary.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Lacosamide Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-RE-41,841>
2. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. (2019). Cardiovascular Safety of Lacosamide in Patients with Epilepsy. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6665111/>
3. Journal of Clinical Neurology. (2018). Angina Pectoris Associated with Lacosamide Use. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6129111/>